A Taste of Hawaii in Your Kitchen
Ah, Zippy’s. The name conjures up images of Hawaiian sunshine, delicious plate lunches, and of course, their iconic mac salad. This creamy, flavorful side dish is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine, and for good reason! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, and complements any main course.
The good news? You don’t have to book a flight to Oahu to enjoy Zippy’s mac salad. With a few simple ingredients and this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create this taste of paradise in your own kitchen.
Gather your island provisions:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (8-ounce) box elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups mayonnaise (Best Foods is recommended, but any brand you like will work)
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons grated carrot
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs (for a more classic mac salad experience)
Let’s get cooking!
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prep the veggies: While the pasta cools, grab your chopping board and knife. Finely chop the yellow onion, celery, and carrot. If you’re using green pepper or tomato, add them to the chopping party too!
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. This simple dressing adds a touch of tang and sweetness that complements the creamy mayo perfectly.
- Combine it all: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Then, fold in the chopped vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy! Zippy’s mac salad is delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
Tips:
- For a creamier mac salad, use more mayonnaise. Conversely, for a lighter version, add a little less mayo or use a reduced-fat variety.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar in a pinch. However, the apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients nicely.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the vegetables! Chopped green peas, broccoli florets, or even shredded zucchini would all be tasty additions.
- Zippy’s mac salad is best enjoyed within a few days.
So there you have it! With this recipe, you can bring a little bit of Hawaii to your next potluck, BBQ, or even just a weeknight dinner. Mahalo (thank you) for joining me on this culinary adventure!
